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Ladakh Tourism
Ladakh, or La-dvags as it is known in Tibetan, is the ‘land of high passes’ and that has always been its biggest draw for tourists. A land known for its monasteries, its mountain peaks, its adventure and thrills, it calls out to the adrenaline seeker within us, and becomes a destination… read more
The Best time to visit Ladakh is during the summer season from the month of April to July during this time Ladakh temperature is between 15 to 30 Degree Celsius. Ladakh is known for its extremely low temperatures almost all through the year. While it is quite pleasant in the summer time, the winters are exceedingly cold unforgiving. Well, in that case, naturally the best time to visit Ladakh is during the summers.
| Travel Months | Min/Max Temperature | Season |
|---|---|---|
| April to July | 15° C to 30° C | Summer |
| July to Sep | 3° C to 17° C | Monsoon |
| Oct to March | 0° C to 15° C | Winter |
Summers in Ladakh (June- September) are truly beautiful with moderate temperatures and hospitable environment for the tourists. During the remaining part of the year, the Manali-Leh highway which is the only means to reach Ladakh, remains non-functional. Although, there is another route, that can be used to reach the place, the Srinagar-Leh highway, it can get affected with landslides as well.
Moreover, it is during summers that you can enjoy the entire setup of the place in totality. Said to be a dream destination for most of the people, Ladakh comes across to be a worth visiting place for the travellers. Be it the splendid set up showcasing snow covered mountains well blended with alluring valleys and lakes, Ladakh is sure to touch your chord at its best. Beautifully displaying the sights of the splendid field of valleys and slopes adjoined with the relishing knowledge of perseverance via the spectacularly beautiful neighbourhood, this place calls to endure you with the best experience.
However, the land of Ladakh has its own charm in the winters as well. This is the reason why many people, especially the truly adventurous ones, seek to visit the place when it is blanketed in snow. The Frozen River Trek, which is also one of the most famous and unique treks, is also carried out in winter, upping the excitement quotient in the travellers to visit Ladakh during this harsh but glorious period.
Check out some more amazing best places to visit in Ladakh before you plan your trip.
| Ladakh Tour Packages | No. of Nigts / Days | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Ladakh with Turtuk - Youth Special | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Rs. 24 490 |
| Captivating Ladakh | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Rs. 24 099 |
| Charismatic Ladakh | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Rs. 43 490 |
| Magical Ladakh | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Rs. 30 990 |
| Romanchak Ladakh (Veg Special) | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Rs. 51 990 |
While you ponder over and continuously think about the, you would be happy to read through this piece of information that endures enlightening to the fullest regarding the popular times to visit Ladakh along with the Best Season to Visit Ladakh.
20-30 Degrees
Ladakh weather remains warm and comfortable and sun shines brightly.
Out of all the seasons, summer calls to be one of the best seasons when you can witness and enjoy the energizing surrounding of the place to the fullest. At this season the snow seems to have softened rendering spectacular buzz of sceneries.The late April showcases excellent changes. The Pangong Tso lake and the Tso Moriri lake begin to melt fast at this time considerably disclosing the spectacular hue and sight of the place. At this time Leh out cases beautiful weather condition endowing clear sky.At this time, you must consider visiting places like Stongdey Monastery, Likir Monastery, Shey Monastery and Thiksey Monastery.
At this time you can also relish best festivals like YuruKabgyat, Hemis Festivals, SakaDawa which is only held during the month of June. The Hemis festival which is celebrated in honour of the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava is one to witness. It showcases the amazing masked performances, brightly hued costumes and unique music which simply cannot be missed.
Between April to mid of May there is no heavy snowfall and the summer season slowly and steadily takes over the place completely. The travellers who aim to visit Ladakh during this time can search for homestays, hotels, places, and guesthouses on many online sites. If you plan on visiting during this span of time then you must definitely opt for flight booking as all the passes and the roads to the place is generally blocked or are not open. However, though it is summer time Ladakh weather at this time is not warm or sunny.
The beginning of the seven to ten days in the month of June isn’t meant for traveling purpose to Ladakh as most of the roads at this time is blocked. At this time, if you wish to travel to Ladakh, you must definitely choose flight as this is the best option if you wish to travel. The major airport in the area to visit this area during the summer season is the KushokBakulaRimpochee Airport. Also, in the mid of this time, the travellers must surely visit the highway in between Srinagar and Leh. This is the highway that remains open at this time of the year.
If you wish to visit Ladakh by road during this time then you must consider going from the Valley of Kashmir via Kargil, which is about a distance of four hundred and thirty-four kilometres. This is the route that remains open from the early month of June to the month of November. Finally, the longest road route that is about a distance of four hundred and seventy-three kilometres, the Manali-Leh road route is open in the middle of June and remains open until early October.
Wear sunscreen and protect yourself from direct sunshine as the thin atmosphere here can cause the sunrays to get quite intense. Beginning of the season still calls for you to pack in some warm clothes as the nights can get bit too cold.
10-20 Degrees
Monsoons in Ladakh are as harsh and untoward as winters if not more. The air is crisp, blue and usually clear. Beginning in July, monsoons in Ladakh do not last long, and whatever little rainfall that the area receives is generally in the form of heavy but short-lived downpours.
Ladakh weather is refreshing and perfect for outings. It is also a great time for adventure activities such as white water rafting which can be indulged in at Indus and Zanskar rivers. The period from May to October is also a wonderful time for going on the many treks organized in the area, especially the Kang Yatse trek, Markha Valley trek and the one from Spituk to Stok.
Monsoon is the time of many mesmerizing festivals such as Karsha Gustor that is held at Karsha, Zanskar Valley’s biggest monastery; the PheyangTsedup, which is the annual festival, organized at the Pheyang monastery; KorzokGustor, which is held at Korzok monastery, located near Moriri Lake.
The place is infamous for occasional incidents of landslides and cloudbursts during this period. This time of the year, roads, especially the Manali-Leh highway can become hard to traverse owing to washing off of the narrow road or landslides due to rains.
If travelling to Ladakh in Monsoons, it is necessary that you pack such clothes that are light weight and easy to dry and wear shoes that are waterproof. Make sure you also carry a raincoat and/or an umbrella and sunscreen with you. Check the weather report before embarking on your journey to stay safe.
Below 0 Degree (minimum most recorded temperature here is -23 Degrees)
During the winters Ladakh temperature steadily drops from September (5 Degrees to -21 Degrees ) to January (-2 Degrees to -14 Degrees ) and then gradually rises again. The weather is pleasantly chilly at the early phase (September-October) of the season, with cold winds blowing in the evenings. The latter phase of winters (November-February) can be extremely unbearable with temperatures dipping violently, making it impossible to enjoy your stay. Temperature in Kargil during this part of the season can drop up to -50 Degrees !
Winter calls to be the time when you can relish the beauty and adventure of trekking through one of the best treks in the world known as the Chadar Trek. Moreover, you are also sure to relish trekking over the solidified and grand Zanskar River, which is highly loved and cherished by the travellers. Only the early phase of the winters are good for travelling to the place. This period is ideal for many great and popular treks in Ladakh including the famous Frozen River Trek or the Zanskar Valley trek. The period from mid of January to March is however best suited for Chadar trek.
Many remarkable festivals fall during the wintertime in Ladakh. These prominently include SpitukGustor, Stok Monastery Festival, Dosmoche, ThiksayGustor, Matho Monastery festival and Ladakhi Losar. While the ones falling in summers are shadowed by tourist crowds and photographers, attending these winter fests are sure to give you a glimpse into the lives and culture of the locals like none other.
Ladakh sees very sparse crowd of tourists from November to February due to heavy snowfall in the area. This is also the reason why many trekking routes too are closed down at times. Also, be prepared for frequent power cut in this season.Hance, book some amazing Ladakh Tour Packages online here with Thomas Cook.
The extremely low temperature and high altitude can cause AMS or common cough and cold. Hence, it is good to be prepared with necessary precautions such as multiple layers of warm clothing, necessary medicines and taking enough fluids. You can take oxygen at oxygen bars if experiencing dizziness and headaches, which is common due to the high altitude. Carry a 1000mAh power bank and several spare batteries as the cold tends to drain out batteries quickly.
Lamayuru is a name you have probably heard of when planning your Ladakh trip. It is a small village and a well-known tourist attraction in the region. It is considered to be an off-beat getaway, perfect for curious and adventurous minds to explore during their vacations. For ages, Lamayuru has been a major centre of religion and culture in Ladakh. It is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Union Territory. Besides its cultural significance, thousands of tourists add this quaint village to their Ladakh trip plan due to its unique and breathtaking natural beauty.
Lamayuru is tucked away from the high-rush metro life and rests amidst nature’s elegance and serenity. Individuals visiting the village will have a lot of things to witness and explore. For example, going for spiritual tours at the Lamayuru monastery is a must when visiting this village. Tourists can learn a lot about Tibetan Buddhism while doing so. The events and festivals that take place in Lamayuru also offer great insight into the culture, traditions and daily life of the individuals residing in the region. The fact that it is easily accessible also adds to its popularity as a well-known tourist attraction. The alluring geological formations in Lamayuru are also crucial factors that make it special and stand out among the rest of the tourist destinations in the Union Territory. Even though there are not a lot of activities to do in the village except for a few, it still works out to be a great destination for a short getaway within Ladakh.
Lamayuru, also known as Lamayouru, is in the Leh District of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. This small village falls within the Kalsi tehsil division and has around 117 households, according to the 2011 census of India. As the village is located approximately in the midway of the highway that connects Leh to Kargil, individuals love to drop by for a few days to explore everything it has to offer. The Leh to Lamayuru distance is about 117 kilometres by road. As for other nearby locations, the Lamayuru village is 140 km from Kargil, 171 km from Hemis Monastery and 207 km from Khardung. Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar is about 340 kilometres from Ladakh’s Lamayuru village via NH1.
According to the census report, Lamayuru has a very small population, with a literacy rate of 71.93%, excluding children aged six and below. It falls within the Leh district, so the language that is predominantly spoken in the region is Ladakhi. Also, due to its close proximity to the Kargil district, tourists may also come across people speaking Purkhi, which is a dialect of Balti. Besides these, other languages that work in the region include English, Hindi and Urdu. However, due to the range of dialects, it is advised to get a local tour guide to have a better experience conversing with the locals and understanding their culture.
Lamayuru village in Ladakh is a well-known tourist destination. Here are some of the reasons behind its popularity:
Lamayuru in Ladakh is a quaint village mainly known for its monastery, unique landscapes and regional events. In terms of Ladakh tourism, it is promoted as the “Moonland Lamayuru”, where individuals can witness the spectacular natural beauty of the region and spend time amidst the serene atmosphere. Other than that, Lamayuru is also a cultural getaway for tourists who like to learn more about the local traditions and the Drikung Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tons of individuals visit the place to have religious conversations with the resident monks and have some spiritual enlightenment.
If you are planning on visiting Lamayuru in Ladakh, here are some viable transport options that you can consider:
Air connectivity is quite limited in the region, hence travelling by flight is not the first choice of transport for many tourists. Lamayuru doesn’t have its own airport, and the closest one is based in Leh City, called Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. It features decent air connectivity, linking the region with major cities in India, such as Srinagar, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. There are options for direct and connecting flights from reputed airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, etc. As the major point of air transit in a tourist-specific region, the frequency of flights to and from this airport has increased in recent years. After landing at the Leh airport, individuals can hire a cab to cover the remaining 112 kilometres to reach Lamayuru.
Individuals planning on travelling to Lamayuru directly via train should know that it is a bit complicated and the least favoured choice of route. The nearest major railway stations to Lamayuru are Chandigarh, Pathankot and Jammu Tawi. They have options for daily long-distance trains, connecting to important cities in India. However, the remaining distance from these stations to Lamayuru is quite long and can be covered via a bus or cab.
Travelling by road to reach Lamayuru is the most comfortable and preferred way of transport. As it falls on the Leh-Srinagar Highway, individuals can easily drive to the village in their private/rental cars while en route to these cities. The driving distance from Kargil to Lamayuru is also quite short, about 140 kilometres, which makes for a memorable road trip. There are also buses available from Kargil and Leh that you can opt for. As Lamayuru to Leh distance is shorter, individuals often prefer visiting the village from there.
As it is important to learn about the tourist destination you are planning on visiting, here are some interesting facts about Lamayuru that you can refer to:
There are a lot of reasons why Lamayuru is a must-visit tourist destination in Ladakh. To start with, it is a highly recommended tourist destination for individuals looking for spiritual tours. It is home to the renowned Lamayuru Monastery, which is one of the most important gompas in Ladakh. It is an 11th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery built on a steep hilltop overlooking the village. During a visit, tourists can not only have conversations with the monks on divine topics but also witness the antique portraits, frescoes, masks, glassed meditation caves, etc. In addition, tourists are also recommended to visit Lamayuru during the time of the major regional festivals to witness and experience the local culture and traditions firsthand.
Besides its monasteries and cultural side, the geographical landscape of the region is another vital reason why tourists should visit Lamayuru. The moon-like craters are one of nature’s finest works, and going on small treks to explore those sites is a must for all curious minds. In addition, the Lamayuru to Leh distance is quite short and falls on the route to Kargil, which is another reason why tourists should schedule a stop at this beautiful, quaint village in Ladakh.
The village of Lamayuru stays open to tourists around the year as long as the area remains accessible. Individuals interested in visiting the village are advised to get all the details prior to scheduling the trip. The attractions in Lamayuru, however, may have their own specific operating hours, so make sure to take note of that during the planning phase.
|
Name |
Operating hours |
Ticket Price |
|
Lamayuru Monastery |
8 AM to 5 PM |
INR 50/- per person |
|
MoonLand |
24 hours |
None |
Lamayuru is a name you have probably heard of when planning your Ladakh trip. It is a small village and a well-known tourist attraction in the region. It is considered to be an off-beat getaway, perfect for curious and adventurous minds to explore during their vacations. For ages, Lamayuru has been a major centre of religion and culture in Ladakh. It is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Union Territory. Besides its cultural significance, thousands of tourists add this quaint village to their Ladakh trip plan due to its unique and breathtaking natural beauty.
Lamayuru is tucked away from the high-rush metro life and rests amidst nature’s elegance and serenity. Individuals visiting the village will have a lot of things to witness and explore. For example, going for spiritual tours at the Lamayuru monastery is a must when visiting this village. Tourists can learn a lot about Tibetan Buddhism while doing so. The events and festivals that take place in Lamayuru also offer great insight into the culture, traditions and daily life of the individuals residing in the region. The fact that it is easily accessible also adds to its popularity as a well-known tourist attraction. The alluring geological formations in Lamayuru are also crucial factors that make it special and stand out among the rest of the tourist destinations in the Union Territory. Even though there are not a lot of activities to do in the village except for a few, it still works out to be a great destination for a short getaway within Ladakh.
Lamayuru, also known as Lamayouru, is in the Leh District of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. This small village falls within the Kalsi tehsil division and has around 117 households, according to the 2011 census of India. As the village is located approximately in the midway of the highway that connects Leh to Kargil, individuals love to drop by for a few days to explore everything it has to offer. The Leh to Lamayuru distance is about 117 kilometres by road. As for other nearby locations, the Lamayuru village is 140 km from Kargil, 171 km from Hemis Monastery and 207 km from Khardung. Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar is about 340 kilometres from Ladakh’s Lamayuru village via NH1.
According to the census report, Lamayuru has a very small population, with a literacy rate of 71.93%, excluding children aged six and below. It falls within the Leh district, so the language that is predominantly spoken in the region is Ladakhi. Also, due to its close proximity to the Kargil district, tourists may also come across people speaking Purkhi, which is a dialect of Balti. Besides these, other languages that work in the region include English, Hindi and Urdu. However, due to the range of dialects, it is advised to get a local tour guide to have a better experience conversing with the locals and understanding their culture.
Lamayuru village in Ladakh is a well-known tourist destination. Here are some of the reasons behind its popularity:
Lamayuru in Ladakh is a quaint village mainly known for its monastery, unique landscapes and regional events. In terms of Ladakh tourism, it is promoted as the “Moonland Lamayuru”, where individuals can witness the spectacular natural beauty of the region and spend time amidst the serene atmosphere. Other than that, Lamayuru is also a cultural getaway for tourists who like to learn more about the local traditions and the Drikung Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tons of individuals visit the place to have religious conversations with the resident monks and have some spiritual enlightenment.
If you are planning on visiting Lamayuru in Ladakh, here are some viable transport options that you can consider:
Air connectivity is quite limited in the region, hence travelling by flight is not the first choice of transport for many tourists. Lamayuru doesn’t have its own airport, and the closest one is based in Leh City, called Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. It features decent air connectivity, linking the region with major cities in India, such as Srinagar, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. There are options for direct and connecting flights from reputed airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, etc. As the major point of air transit in a tourist-specific region, the frequency of flights to and from this airport has increased in recent years. After landing at the Leh airport, individuals can hire a cab to cover the remaining 112 kilometres to reach Lamayuru.
Individuals planning on travelling to Lamayuru directly via train should know that it is a bit complicated and the least favoured choice of route. The nearest major railway stations to Lamayuru are Chandigarh, Pathankot and Jammu Tawi. They have options for daily long-distance trains, connecting to important cities in India. However, the remaining distance from these stations to Lamayuru is quite long and can be covered via a bus or cab.
Travelling by road to reach Lamayuru is the most comfortable and preferred way of transport. As it falls on the Leh-Srinagar Highway, individuals can easily drive to the village in their private/rental cars while en route to these cities. The driving distance from Kargil to Lamayuru is also quite short, about 140 kilometres, which makes for a memorable road trip. There are also buses available from Kargil and Leh that you can opt for. As Lamayuru to Leh distance is shorter, individuals often prefer visiting the village from there.
As it is important to learn about the tourist destination you are planning on visiting, here are some interesting facts about Lamayuru that you can refer to:
There are a lot of reasons why Lamayuru is a must-visit tourist destination in Ladakh. To start with, it is a highly recommended tourist destination for individuals looking for spiritual tours. It is home to the renowned Lamayuru Monastery, which is one of the most important gompas in Ladakh. It is an 11th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery built on a steep hilltop overlooking the village. During a visit, tourists can not only have conversations with the monks on divine topics but also witness the antique portraits, frescoes, masks, glassed meditation caves, etc. In addition, tourists are also recommended to visit Lamayuru during the time of the major regional festivals to witness and experience the local culture and traditions firsthand.
Besides its monasteries and cultural side, the geographical landscape of the region is another vital reason why tourists should visit Lamayuru. The moon-like craters are one of nature’s finest works, and going on small treks to explore those sites is a must for all curious minds. In addition, the Lamayuru to Leh distance is quite short and falls on the route to Kargil, which is another reason why tourists should schedule a stop at this beautiful, quaint village in Ladakh.
The village of Lamayuru stays open to tourists around the year as long as the area remains accessible. Individuals interested in visiting the village are advised to get all the details prior to scheduling the trip. The attractions in Lamayuru, however, may have their own specific operating hours, so make sure to take note of that during the planning phase.
|
Name |
Operating hours |
Ticket Price |
|
Lamayuru Monastery |
8 AM to 5 PM |
INR 50/- per person |
|
MoonLand |
24 hours |
None |
The quickest and simplest way to reach Ladakh is by air. It is also the only means of transport with year-round access to the place — exceptional circumstances, not withstanding. The only airport is located in the town of Leh, called the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Many domestic airlines offer regular flights to Leh, from Jammu, Srinagar, Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata and from other urban hubs across the country. These include Go Air, Indigo, Vistara, Spice Jet and Air India. While shorter routes such as Jammu or Delhi have direct flights, longer routes could sometimes have a single stop along the way, usually at Delhi. The Leh airport is also a military base, so expect a higher level of security and carry printed copies of your documentation and paperwork for a hassle-free experience.
While flying can get expensive, especially during peak season, it’s still worth it for the reduced time of the journey and the higher level of comfort it affords. Once you land, a taxi and local bus service can be found right beyond the terminal. For about INR 400, you can hire a cab to take the 3.8 km ride to the city centre or your hotel.
You wouldn’t usually opt for train travel to Ladakh since the nearest station is located 700 km away in the town called Tawi. Stations like Chandigarh and Pathankot are the other closest options, but they are even further away. Even if you do choose to take a train from your departure city to any of these stations, you’ll have to hire a taxi, jeep or private vehicle to complete the rest of the journey — which could take up to three days. It doesn’t sound ideal but can be a perfect adventurous start to your holiday.
Road travel is a popular means of getting to Ladakh, with spectacular views and adrenaline-rush moments promised along the way. The only catch is that the routes are only accessible during the months of May to October, while winter sees Ladakh cut off from most places outside.
You can opt for buses, cars or jeeps or even motorbikes, for a road trip to Ladakh.
Bikes have become a favourite amongst those visiting the region, as it is said to be one of the more exhilarating journeys one can ever take. There are two possible routes — one from Srinagar and the other from Manali. The former is a distance of around 430 km, passing through some of the most majestic Himalayan vistas and scenic towns like Sonmarg, Drass, Kargil, Lamaruyu and the Zoji La Pass. The route from Manali is 490 km, passing through the Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Bharatpur, Upshi and Karu.
While riding to Ladakh sounds incredibly fun, it should only be undertaken if you’re a regular rider, using a sturdy bike such as the Royal Enfield. To get to Manali and Srinagar, you will have to make other travel arrangements such as bus or car.
The other options you could choose include cars, jeeps and buses which cover the same routes and distances. However, the bus rides can be tiring and bumpy. They are mostly offered by JKSRTC and HRTC, with tickets costing about INR 1800-2400. With jeep and car rides you can begin your journey from as far out as Delhi or Chandigarh, eventually bringing you to the gorgeous high passes en route Ladakh. Depending on the vehicle, the cost to rent a car with driver can be upwards of INR 20,000. But it’s worth it for big groups or those looking to travel at their own pace.
There is no way of reaching Ladakh by water.
When is the best time to visit Ladakh?
The best time to visit Ladakh is in the summer, from the end of March to the middle of August. In fact, June is one of the greatest months to visit Ladakh. Some roads and mountains are still covered in snow. By mid-June, the majority of the snow has melted, allowing you to tour the monasteries, stupas, and lakes.
How far is Ladakh from Delhi by road?
The distance of Delhi to Leh Ladakh by road via Leh-Manali Highway is around 1011 km and the total travel time is approximately 24 hours.
Do I need a medical certificate to take the Chadar trek?
Yes. You will need to undergo a medical checkup at Leh before taking the Chadar trek. Without this, you will not receive ALOTA clearance and permission from the Wildlife Department to undertake the Chadar trek. Also, you will need 3 days to acclimate to the reduced oxygen level before taking the trek.
What altitude is Ladakh situated at?
Ladakh is about 3000 meters or 9800 feet above mean sea level.
How far is Leh airport from Ladakh
Leh Airport is 3km from Ladakh.
What is Leh famous for?
Leh is recognized for its beautiful scenery, Buddhist temples, and natural beauty. Leh is often known as Little Tibet or the Land of Lamas because of the great influence of Tibetan Buddhism.
Do I need a passport and visa to visit Ladakh?
No, no such documents are necessary for Indian citizens.
Is Ladakh safe to visit?
Yes, Ladakh is absolutely safe to visit as there is no active conflict in the area.
How many days are required to see Ladakh?
A week or 8 days is sufficient time enough to see Ladakh.
Does the internet work in Ladakh?
Yes, towns and villages in Ladakh have internet connectivity.
What is the coldest month in Ladakh?
With temperatures ranging from -2°C to -14°C, January is the coldest month in Ladakh.
